Category: Admissions

How to Improve Your GPA for College Admission Success!
How to Inprove Your GPA

In the last blog, I discussed Grade Point Average or GPA, how it is calculated, and how it makes an essential contribution to the profile you present to colleges at application time. If colleges consider your GPA to be necessary, then you should too. In this blog, I will show you that the key to academic success is not dependent on being smart; instead, it is about being disciplined and efficient in your study habits. These nine strategies will help you raise your GPA without getting stressed and working at all hours.

1. Attend your classes regularly

OK, I know this is obvious, but it’s essential, especially after all the disruption to school during the pandemic. With lessons increasingly being taught directly from PowerPoint presentations, it can be tempting to do something else and download the notes to review them later. Unfortunately, following such a strategy means missing out on several essential things.

A PowerPoint presentation is only part of the story. Good teachers don’t just read off the slides; they provide detailed verbal explanations to help students understand the material.
- The opportunity to ask questions. If you are in the class and don’t understand something, you can ask for clarification.
2. Participate in class

As a student, this was something that I found challenging; I much preferred to sit in the back of the class, keep my head down and get on with my work. However, actively participating was something I needed to work on, and if you are like I was, I recommend you do the same.

Being actively engaged in the lesson not only helps you remember what you are being taught but will also show the teachers that you are an eager student, which will help boost your academic reputation; this can be important for your GPA. Most grades have some element of subjectivity, so your teacher’s perception of you can influence your rates. A teacher is more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt and round your mark up if they know you as an engaged student who positively contributes to their lessons.

3. Organise yourself

Getting organized is one of the easiest ways of raising your GPA. Having a study strategy that complements your schedule and learning style enables you to make the most of your study time, reducing the time and effort it takes to do well.

One of the important aspects of organizing is your note-taking. Teachers have different teaching styles, so having one type of note-taking might only work for some lessons, so develop a style that works for each teacher. Louisa, at LP Tutoring, has some great suggestions about different types of note-taking on her website.

Another great way to organize yourself is to build a list of proven resources you trust and can go to in seconds when you need them. You’ll be able to find your way of doing this, but I use a free subscription to Biology for internet links.

4. Review your work.

Researchers have done a great deal of research into how Ivy Central remember things we are taught. One alarming outcome has been the ‘forgetting curve,’ which shows that within one hour, people will have forgotten an average of 50 percent of the information they have been taught. Within 24 hours, they have forgotten an average of 70 percent of new information, and within a week, forgetting claims an average of 90 percent of it.

Trying to go back and relearn all that you have been taught right before a test is practically impossible; you will find it much easier if you take a gradual approach to studying. At least once a week, you can go back and review your notes for the last month; this repetition will help you to gradually memorize what you have studied and also understand how one concept is built on previous work. Using this approach consistently will reduce the time you need right before a test, making tests less stressful.

5. Talk to your teachers.

Teachers are busy people, but if you approach them in the right way, they will often make themselves available to help with any questions you might have about your studies or assignments.

Lessons often build on previous material. If you need help understanding a concept, please reach out to your teacher as soon as possible to avoid getting lost and falling behind. If you are not achieving the grades you want, ask your teacher what you can do to improve. For example, are there particular topics you need to improve on, or are there additional resources you can use?

6. Mix with the right people.

Research shows that the quality of your learning experience is directly related to the attitudes of the people you work with. Working with strong students is more likely to facilitate good learning behaviors and improved grades.

Make the most of any extra-curricular learning opportunities your school might have; there is a science club, a book discussion group, or a maths study group you could join. These tend to attract pupils with a genuine interest in those areas, and you can build friendships that can help you out if you are stuck with an assignment.

Who you work with can also affect your academic reputation. We have all heard about a person who has fallen in with the wrong crowd; it works the other way; if you associate with thoughtful and actively engaged students, your teachers will assume you are the same unless you prove otherwise.

7. Avoid all-nighters

Generally, there is only one reason why people pull all-nighters: they have not managed their work over the previous weeks and are now trying to make up for the lost time. But, unfortunately, all-nighters don’t work; they harm performance because they leave you tired and stressed, and as a result, you will forget most of what you learned.

A gradual study strategy, including weekly reviews, should mean that all-nighters are unnecessary, enabling you to get enough rest. Sleep improves concentration, solidifies what you have learned, and improves your ability to organize and recall information. Unfortunately, poor performance at school is often directly linked to a lack of good-quality sleep.

8. Have a good learning environment

Studying in a busy area will never be conducive to good learning. It’s not always in our control, but if possible, try to set up a learning space where you can get on with work without distractions. Here are some simple tips to boost your school performance:
- Let people know you are working and shut the door to avoid noise. If that is not possible, see if you can get some noise-canceling headphones or download a white noise app on your phone.
- If you work better with background noise, find a playlist that you can have in the background that won’t disturb you.
- Make sure you have everything you need before you settle down to work.
- Turn off your notifications on your phone and computer.
9. Goals and rewards.

I’m a great believer in setting goals for myself, whether it be to complete a piece of work by a specific time or to learn a new skill. Having a goal helps me focus my effort. Improving your GPA should be your ultimate goal but reach it by breaking down your work into smaller achievable goals.

When setting goals, be SMART; that’s an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Specific – The more specific a goal is, the easier it will be to focus on it and take the necessary action to accomplish it. For example, a goal such as “I will study more” is rather vague. On the other hand, “I will study in my room every day between 4 pm and 6 pm is specific and provides you with an actionable plan.
- Measurable – In the above example, saying ‘I will study more’ is not measurable. At the same time, in the second version, you have set a goal to study a certain number of hours, and you have a concrete expectation to work towards.
- Achievable – Objectives should be challenging but possible to achieve. The point of a target is to challenge and motivate yourself to complete a piece of work. If you set your target too high, it can cause stress and decrease the chance of your target actually being within reach. Likewise, if a target is too easy, it will inhibit you from pushing yourself and doing more. Therefore, setting yourself a reasonable target is crucial!
- Relevant – Your objective should align with what you need to achieve; otherwise, you might achieve your objective, but it does not have any impact on your GPA. If you need to improve in English, spending extra time studying Maths is unlikely to help your English and take a UK English test.
- Time-bound – You need to keep on track by setting a precise time or date when your goal will be complete. Having that set date will help you judge how well you progress toward your goal.
Alongside setting goals, ensure you are good to yourself by rewarding your achievements. Set a GPA goal and reward yourself with something you want when you achieve it.

Follow these nine steps, and you will see an improvement in your GPA, and as a result, you will have improved your chances of being accepted into the college of your dreams!
November 17, 2022
Still Writing Your Common App Essay? 5 Tips to Help You

With the submission deadline for applying in the early round of US college applications rapidly approaching, you will hopefully be well on the way to finishing your personal essay. However, if you are struggling, this article will hopefully help as I share five tips from college admission professionals that can help you create a winning essay.

For many students, writing a solid personal essay is the most challenging part of the application; its test comes because what is required is significantly different from the types of essays most students have been writing during their schooling. While it may be challenging, you must spend the time to create as powerful an essay as possible; this is the one opportunity you have to help the admissions teams get to ‘meet you’ and understand something about the individual behind the grades and scores.

1. First impressions count

Any student attending college should expect to do a great deal of writing, irrespective of their major. So, the first thing somebody reading your supplemental college essay will ask is, ‘Can this person write?’

When you read your essay, is it well put together? A strong essay will nearly always have a strong theme or story that runs through it from beginning to end, with clear transitions from one paragraph to the next. Write using an active voice rather than the passive one generally expected for an academic essay; try to engage your reader from the very start so that you can be seen through your words. You should always ask people who know you well to read your essay; if they say that they can hear your voice as they read it, then you are probably a winner!

Finally, grammar and spelling count; make sure you go through what you have written and check it with a good spelling and grammar checker. Again, make sure you are using American spellings.

2. You are the story

The college admissions team is reading your essay because they want to find out about you, so make sure that what you are writing about is you. It seems an obvious thing to say, but you would be surprised how often students write essays where they talk about their parents, grandparents, or teachers who have helped shape them into the person they are now. Unfortunately, this sort of supplemental essay rarely comes across well as you will inevitably spend much of your limited word count talking about what makes that person special rather than what makes you special, how you live your life as an individual, in the spirit of the person.

To create a strong impression on the admissions officer, you want them to feel that they know what makes you who you are, your motivations, and your passions.

3. Reflections

Creating the strong impression I just mentioned requires you to reflect on who you are and how you became that person. This is something that many students find difficult, but without sharing that knowledge in your essay, you risk it will come across as shallow or, worse still, clichéd! On the other hand, sharing your reflections can add depth and character, making even an everyday experience, such as waiting for the school bus, into a profoundly revealing portrait of you and your life.

4. Add value

When talking about their work, top college and university admissions officers will speak about ‘crafting a community.’ What they mean by this is that they are not just trying to fill the number of places available; instead, they are looking for people who will contribute to the campus experience. So in your personal essay, try to focus on your genuine strengths, using anecdotes that will best portray them.

5. Be consistent

Be clear about what impression you want to create in the minds of the people who will read your application. Having done that, ensure your application, including your essay, aligns with that picture. For example, suppose you want your essay to portray you as a passionate biology researcher. In that case, you don’t want your activities to reflect a person who loves to spend their time deep into self-published online stories. If your essay does not resonate with the rest of your application, you need to take a step back and consider how you can make the whole application reflect who you are. Ivy Central always here to help you.

Good luck!

September 8, 2022
U.S. Colleges Interviewing this Fall
College Interviews for Admission

Giving a solid college interview can help sway the decision in your favor. If you haven’t already identified those colleges on your list that are interviewing this fall, now would be a good time to do that.

Colleges either offer informative or evaluative interviews. The former means that colleges want to get to know you more and offer you the chance to get to know them more. However, ‘evaluative’ interviews mean that your performance during the interview will affect your admission decision. Also, while most colleges offer an interview, you will be given the option to choose between an in-person interview and a virtual one. However, there may be a couple of those that would only invite students for an on-campus or in-person interview.

Moreover, while some colleges offer an open interview schedule that gives you plenty of options, others will only provide an interview once you have submitted your application to them. Therefore, if you are certainly applying for an Early Action or Early Decision, ensure that you have appeared for the college interviews before your application in case they allow it. This will help them view all parts of the application together, including your interview performance.

I am sharing below a list of some of the top-tier colleges that will be interviewing this fall –

BABSON COLLEGE

BATES COLLEGE

BOSTON COLLEGE

BOWDOIN COLLEGE

BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY

CARLETON COLLEGE

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY

CLAREMONT MCKENNA COLLEGE

COLGATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY

COLORADO COLLEGE

CONNECTICUT COLLEGE

DENISON UNIVERSITY

DICKINSON COLLEGE

EMORY UNIVERSITY

FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

HAMILTON COLLEGE

HARVEY MUDD COLLEGE

HAVERFORD COLLEGE

KENYON COLLEGE

LAFAYETTE COLLEGE

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

MIT

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE

OBERLIN COLLEGE

OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY

PITZER COLLEGE

POMONA COLLEGE

SCRIPPS COLLEGE

SKIDMORE COLLEGE

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

TUFTS UNIVERSITY

TULANE UNIVERSITY

UNION COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

VASSAR COLLEGE

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST LOUIS

WHITMAN COLLEGE

I wish you luck with your interviews!

Working with study abroad consultants, overseas education consultants, or, as more commonly known, college counselors, can help you plan and ace those interviews. Ivy Central offers exceptional focus to help you prepare for and demonstrate to college admissions throughout the high school years. Start today!
August 30, 2022
Records Broken and the US Universities Slip

At the start of June, the 2021 the QS World University Rankings were published and 1300 universities across the world poured over the lists of colleges and universities to see if they had gone up or down from last year.

The QS rankings are significant because they are one of the three most regarded rankings for universities across the world, the others being the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as Shanghai Ranking. In this blog, as well as looking at the headlines from the QS Rankings, I will also look at some of the trends that these rankings continue to show.

The headline

The US and UK continue to dominate the top ten positions, the US has five, while the UK has four. The final spot in the top ten is taken by Swiss based ETH Zurich in eighth place.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has, for an unprecedented tenth year, taken the top spot as the world’s best university in the rankings, while the University of Oxford has jumped three places into second place. Stanford University and the University of Cambridge are joint third while for the first time since the rankings have been produced, Yale University ranked on fifth Harvard moves out of the top three and into fifth. The remaining five in the top ten are:

6th        California Institute of Technology

7th        Imperial College London

8th =     ETH Zurich

8th =     UCL

10th      University of Chicago

Changing country representation

While MIT chalked up a decade at the top of the rankings and the US continues to dominate them with 177 colleges and universities making the list, there has been a significant decline in their overall performance with 91 universities dropping down and only 29 gaining places. This decline has included some prestigious institutions, Harvard dropping out of the top three for the first time, Cornell dropping out of the top 20 and Duke out of the top 50.

The US is by no means alone in having a difficult year in terms of the rankings, Japan and South Korea were other countries with big overall falls. Japan had 24 institutions move down the rankings while only five showed an improvement, South Korea had 20 go down and six improve.

Read More: Early Decision Notification

Meanwhile, there were strong performances by institutions in China, which is the most improved country in terms of the number of institutions that have improved their ranking, 32. For the first time, China had two universities in the top 20, Tsinghua University in 17th place and Peking University just behind in 18th. Australia was another country to see a strong performance, with 16 institutions gaining places, including all of the top four universities. Canada also saw more institutions rise than fall.

How the rankings work

In order to rank each university in a consistent way, the QS Rankings assess them across six metrics.

·      Academic reputation  40%

·      Employer reputation  10%

·      Faculty/student ratio  20%

·      Citations per faculty  20%

·      International faculty ratio  5%

·      International student ratio  5%

July 15, 2021
WHY THIS MAJOR ESSAY?

In less than a month’s time, the big reveal of Supplemental Essays will take place. While there could be a variety of supplemental essays that colleges/universities ask their students to answer, one of the most common and prominent is the one about what would you like to study in college. We call it the ‘Why this Major?’ essay prompt.

Voila! The perfect opportunity to prove your love for your major just arrived. So how do you welcome it?

Well, here are 5 tips to help you do that –

1. Your academic subjects and performance

As an example: If you’re applying for Computer Science, you do not necessarily need to have taken Computer Science as an academic subject. However, you would need to demonstrate strong performance in Mathematics. Talking about your strong math skills definitely works in your favor.

If you’re applying for gender studies, then talking about how History and/or Literature have pushed you to think critically about the world around you would help make your case for this major. Did you develop deep reading skills that have allowed you to go beyond the obvious and really analyze two sides of the coin?

2. Your Academic Extracurriculars

Academic Extracurricular activities are those that are related to your major. This is an amazing way to showcase a tangible outcome in support of your choice of major. Students typically would engage in writing a research paper or a book or creating an app. In the UK, these are typically referred to as Supercurriculars. When writing your UCAS Personal Statement, you can definitely talk about them.

3. Opportunities offered by the University

Colleges and Universities offer tons of clubs and organizations to meet students’ interests and talents. These literally range from a simple Robotics Club to something as fancy as the Squirrel Club at U.Michigan. The latter would make sense if you’re planning for the pre-vet track or Animal Psychology major! Thus, ensure that your choice of club/organization is in sync with your major and related interests.

4. Summer Programs

If you’ve participated in any summer programs that demonstrate your interest in the area you’d like to pursue at college, do dive into what you learned and the goals you achieved. This could be in the form of a poster presentation or a talk at a symposium or a full length research paper.

5. Community Service Projects

If you’ve demonstrated strong passion for a subject area through activism or volunteering, this is the time to mention it. One thing to be weary of is that some universities would have a specific Community Essay wherein you may need to use these anecdotes. In that case, it would be best to stick the any of the aforementioned points so that you can use your community project for the community essay, even though this doesn’t necessarily need to be the case.

Final Word

Supplemental Essays for 2021-22 will be declared on 1st August on the Common Application portal. Given the pandemic, you could expect some changes to the supplemental essays this year. Guess only time will tell. Ivy Central always here to help you.

May the countdown begin!

July 11, 2021
Housing at US Colleges and Universities
Housing at U.S. Colleges

Upon accepting your college admission offer, the first thing you want to secure is your accommodation. For that, it is important to do some research into the different options available to you. Understand why you feel one would suit you better than the other based on your personal preferences. This is crucial since you would be living away from home, and you want to be comfortable in your surroundings, which you will use to study, relax, and make lifelong friends! If you are an out-of-state or international student, this becomes a key aspect of college life that you need to adapt to. Sometimes in-staters too avail themselves of on-campus housing if they wish to spend time learning more about the ‘real world.’

Surge in Demand Amidst Limited Supply
- Enrollment Growth: According to the National Student Housing Report – April 2025U.S. colleges and universities experienced a 1.7% year-over-year increase in enrollment, up from 1.2% in 2023. The average advertised asking rent per bedroom reached $897 in July 2024, marking a 4.7% year-over-year increase. National Student Housing Report – April 2025 – Multi-Housing News
- Occupancy Rates: Despite a 5% decrease in new bed deliveries compared to the previous year, occupancy rates remained robust, with 58% of institutions reporting rates above 91%.
Special Interest Houses

Sometimes also called ‘Themed Housing’, Special Interest Houses are those that make room for a student community with a shared interest. These could be focused on an academic area such as Engineering or Computer Science, in which case, SIHs are called Living Learning Communities. SIHs also exist for those who share a passion for the Arts or Languages. Additionally, some SIHs are culture-focused, such as those based on sexual orientation, ethnicity (Latinx/’Desi Americans’), or one designed for those working towards the acceptance of diversity.

As an example:

University of Oregon’s “Gender Equity Hall” is one where students share rooms regardless of gender or sexuality. This includes transgender, gay, straight, bisexual, and intersex students who are treated with utmost respect, as everybody should.

I have also come across SIHs for healthy living, women in STEM, and gaming. Frat and Sorority Houses also fall under the category of SIHs.

As you can imagine, this option is open for students with a common interest to come together and share their ideas and grow together as a community outside of the classroom. However, the bonus is that you get access to specialized facilities catered to your interest, whatever it may be.

SIHs have a governing body with a Director and run as a fully functional student body who makes their own decisions. If this interests you, feel free to sign up for a leadership position. Additionally, you may be required to pay for the specialized amenities you’d be using. This could range from 50$ to 175$ on an annual basis.

You can apply to a SIH as a freshman, and your application is carefully reviewed by a committee. Given the limited accommodation options, especially if you’re applying to a medium or large-sized school, you may not be accepted by Ivy League colleges. But don’t worry! An interesting fact is that you can still be part of a special interest housing group when you’re not living with this community. This means you can be part of all of their events, activities, community service events, weekly meetings, and weekend parties as an “off-floor member.” The benefit of being a part of an SIH is that you are with like-minded people and therefore, your college experience can initially be less intimidating if you’re one from the introverted tribe.

Fun Fact: SIHs do not always mean entire houses; they could also just be a single or a couple of floors combined! Don’t fall for the literal meaning of the term ‘houses’. Check the university website for more details so you know what you’re signing up for. You may be required to submit an essay to demonstrate your genuine interest in living in an SIH, given that there are limited rooms available.

Innovative Housing Solutions
- Modular Housing: California Polytechnic State University is undertaking a $1.2 billion modular housing project to add 4,200 on-campus units by 2030, aiming to alleviate housing shortages.
- Tiny Home Communities: High Point University in North Carolina offers a tiny home community known as University Landing, providing students with fully furnished 500-square-foot homes as an alternative to traditional dorms. The US Sun
- Intergenerational Living: Programs like Nesterly connect students with senior citizens for affordable housing arrangements, addressing both housing affordability and social isolation.
Residence Halls/Dormitories

Very simply, these are on-campus houses that accommodate students regardless of their major. Generally, these would be divided into co-ed or single-sex dorms and floors. You may apply for a single-sex dorm or floor if you’d feel more comfortable living away from home in this way.

A dorm could mean a single room, a room for two or three people. Perfect Colleges also offer suites that accommodate two, three, or sometimes, more students. If you have lived in a hotel suite before, you would know what this means. Unlike a single room, a suite has a common area which makes the accommodation feel more spacious. Sometimes this could include kitchen facilities and also include a private bathroom.

Off-campus Housing

Most of the medium or large colleges and universities in the US will have tie-ups with off-campus housing options. These are rented by the university and then let out to students. However, a lot of commuter schools (i.e., public schools, especially those as big as the UCs) will give you the option to stay wherever you want off-campus. Sometimes students choose to live with their parents or their peers from high school, so this could also prove beneficial if you have that option open to you. This makes you independent in a different way since you have to manage your bills and food, preparing you for post-college life. Also, you get more space and freedom to do things you’d like to do without worrying about who your roommate would be or which party you would next be dragged into.

Final thoughts

Start your college house hunt sooner rather than later. It is always best to reach out to the university or college housing office to learn more about the housing options open to you. It is recommended that international students utilize the International Office so that they can enquire and make the most of the housing choices available.
May 23, 2021
Comprehensive Guide on How to Deal with College Rejection?
Over the next few weeks colleges will be sending out letters, or more likely emails, telling students if they have been accepted into their college. We obviously hope that every student gets accepted into their first choice college, but the reality is that not everybody will. Here are some observations on how you can deal with the natural disappointment of not being accepted with the help of Ivy Central.

1. Rejection Hurts

You have invested a massive amount of time and effort to get to this point, so it is only natural to feel hurt on finding out that the college you wanted more than any other has not invited you to join them.
- Do take time to absorb and process the information. Be kind to yourself by watching your favourite film or eat some wonderful comfort food.
- Do put it into perspective, often the reason for an early application is to give yourself an advantage when applying to really competitive colleges or programmes. Colleges are not rejecting you for any personal reason or because you did something wrong, they are not offering you a place because they can’t accept everybody, remember that more than 95 people out of every 100 are rejected from the most prestigious colleges. You are in good company!
2. Change your mindset

You are no doubt familiar with the concept of a pro and con sheet, well it is a great way to copying with rejection!
- Do sit down with a piece of paper and write a list of all the reasons why not getting into your choice of college is the worst thing that could have happened to you. On a second piece of paper write a letter to yourself from one year in the future telling yourself about your first months at your new college, wherever it may be. Then throw away the first list and keep the letter.
3. Time for Plan B

What is it that you want to achieve by going to that particular college? Is it really the only place that will enable you to achieve that goal? Very few people get through life without setbacks, but it is rarely the end of the story because there is never a single path to becoming who you will be. Read more: Reading Habit Can Help You Win Your Dream College
- Do remember that you have other options, great colleges full of wonderful people who want you to apply to them. You will have spent time finding out about them and there must have been good reasons why you put them on your list. In time, where you went will matter much less than the experience you gained by being there.
4. You’re not alone

It will be hard to hear from friends wanting to share the good news of being accepted into their college of choice, while you are grieving for the one that let you slip by. Don’t let yourself withdraw from family and friends, they will be the ones to offer support and comfort, helping you to get back on top once again.
- Do talk to somebody you feel comfortable talking to. Experiences, both good and bad, are better when shared with somebody you are close to.
December 8, 2020
Tips for the Stanford Supplemental Essays

Stanford University is keen to understand the depth and breadth of your personality, something that doesn’t reflect in your transcripts. That is why Stanford’s supplemental essays are designed to get to know you beyond the academic data. This is your chance to diversify your application. Show elements of intellectual curiosity, volunteering experience, interdisciplinary learning, reading engagement, and tell them who you truly are as an individual.

What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (in <50 words)

It is okay to mention the obvious ones as long as you are able to shed light on the ‘why’. Focus on the word ‘today’. Think about present times, rather than historical events. For instance, why is the pandemic the most significant challenge faced by society today? Is it due to the reality of the inequities exposed to us? In that, you could talk about the economic, social, or political inequities. Your answer need not be related to your major, since you will probably be talking about it in the other Stanford essays.

How did you spend your last two summers? (in <50 words)

This is a straightforward question requiring a straightforward answer. With 50 words, all you need to do is mention major activities from the last two summers. Preferably, you need to talk about how you furthered your passion for your major. Generally, students undertake research, an internship, or attend a summer research program. On the other hand, you may have been exploring a country, pursuing a hobby, or taking on additional familial responsibilities. All of these fit the bill.

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (in <50 words)

Talk about your beliefs or passions through this one. If you wish you could have been at the time Simone de Beauvoir wrote the ‘Second Sex’ or during Archimedes’ ‘Eureka’ moment, tell why. Remember, this needs to be personal and relevant to you. Do not write something for the sake of sounding cool.

Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (in <50 words)

This could be the essay that diversifies your application. Stanford is keen to put you into context. Who are you outside of the classroom? Are you someone who loves volunteering at an organization every weekend? What drives you to do that? What do you learn from it?

Are you a caregiver to someone in your home/community? Do you lead a reading club? Do you undertake gardening initiatives? Are you part of a cult? Just kidding about that last one. But you get the picture.

List five things that are important to you (in <50 words)

Be yourself, and list things that are important to you. Really.

The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (100 to 250 words)

This is the ‘intellectual vitality’ essay. Demonstrate your quirks with respect to something you are deeply passionate about. How did you truly pursue something that has come to shape you? Dive as deep as you can. Answers for this could range from undertaking lab-based research or deep reading novels from different countries or participating in tons of debates! It all boils down to your major. Choose a relevant activity that you feel you have taken to its highest level.

Read More: Stanford University acceptance rate

Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate — and us — know you better. (100 to 250 words)

Did you hear another chance at a ‘Why Stanford’ essay? Yes, you did.

You can use this prompt to talk more about why you have picked Stanford and how it could satiate your academic and extra-curricular interests. You could also talk about your major in this essay. Moreover, feel free to talk about your unique personality and what you would like to share/learn from your roommate.

For more information, read How to write Letter of recommendation and who to ask.

Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University. (in <250 words)

This is your place to shine. Talk about your unique life experiences or interests that has made you the person you are today. Choose something truly distinguishing or unique; avoid writing about things that are common. Find ways you will make distinct contributions to the Stanford community and write about those with the help of Ivy central.

October 21, 2020
Your Reading Habits can help you Win your Dream College

Most colleges expect you to demonstrate critical thinking skills in numerous ways. The simple reason: they are looking at crafting a well-informed community. A typical classroom environment in the US and UK involves engaging in discussions filled with perspectives and counter-perspectives. Moreover, tons of student clubs and organizations drive the campus spirit.

Keeping this in mind, your reading skills are crucial in several ways :

Recommendation Letters

Believe it or not, your reading habits can land you a great recommendation letter. Being a reader makes you a holistic learner. It gives you the advantage of making informed class contributions to group discussions and delivering thought-provoking presentations. On the other hand, sticking to syllabus texts is unlikely to help you develop a 360 understanding of the subject matter.

Note: Most schools will allow students to submit a brag sheet or a résumé, as a compilation of their extra-curricular activities. Use this opportunity to talk about your reading (and watching) habits. Address how you have explored the breadth and depth of a subject dear to you.

Standardized Testing

Readers test better than non-readers. The ACT and SAT both involve skimming and scanning techniques to crack the exam. Most students perform well in the Math section but are unable to achieve a similar score in the Reading Section. Since reading skills develop over time, it is no wonder that students find themselves stressed about this section. This often negatively impacts their performance in such fast-paced exams, thereby emphasizing the need to be a regular reader.

College Interviews

More often than not, you will be asked to talk about the latest book/s you’ve read in your college interview. While most interviewers would offer you the option to comment on a book you’ve studied in school, they would rather have you talk about one you’ve read purely for joy or to advance your knowledge of a particular topic. This is your chance to flaunt your reading skills. Focus on key takeaways of this book and talk about how you related to it. They aren’t looking for a Google-able summary, but want to know what you made of this reading opportunity.

Supplemental Essays

An increasing number of universities are focusing on reading skills in their admissions processes. The most obvious way is to ask a supplemental essay question on your reading habits. Columbia University’s famous ‘list questions’ require you to talk about a range of books, journals, poetry, and plays from within and outside of your syllabus. Emory University asks you to talk about a ‘book, character, song, or piece of work (fiction or non-fiction)’ that represents you the best.

Interviewers with access to your essays with definitely want to know more about these reading choices. You can certainly expect follow-up questions!

Additionally, nearly all colleges will ask you to write a ‘why this major’ essay. You’ve spent hours inside and outside of school studying related subject areas, but that is hardly a distinguishing factor. On the other hand, reading a book will expose you to out-of-the-box perspectives or would have challenged existing belief systems. Feel free to talk about how a book inspired and directed you toward your major as a hook to your essay.

Core Curriculum

Many liberal arts colleges in the US have a Core Curriculum, that asks students to make ethical and philosophical considerations. As an applicant, you need to show how your understanding stretches beyond the obvious black and white. Making interdisciplinary connections in interviews and essays substantiates your genuine interest in learning, often labeling you as a stronger applicant who will add incredible value to the college rejection community.

Tips to build your reading habits

Assess your Reading Habits

While unheard of, formally assessing your reading habits is the first step to becoming a better reader. If you’re a ‘speed’ reader, you will do well on the standardized tests; but may not necessarily flourish in your IB/A level English exams. If you’re a ‘slow’ reader, you are more likely to engage in deep reading, annotating as you read sentence by sentence. To get into the Top Tier Universities, you need to be able to do both.

Read what you like

Start by reading what you like. A combination of classics and contemporary texts is sure to spike your curiosity about the subject. Then, move on to reading journals, news articles, and research papers. Engage in a variety of texts, forms, and genres. Make your reading holistic.

Become a Critical Reader

Reading is about what’s on the page; critical reading is about what’s not on the page. To become an effective reader, one needs to understand the implied meaning and implications of the text. Explore cultural, historical, and biographical contexts to go beyond the literal understanding of the literary/non-literary work.

Readers build Readers

Join forums and groups. Take an active part in discussions, and you are sure to find books aligned with your interests.

Maintain Variety

It’s important to engage in fiction and nonfiction works. That way, you’re exposed to a wide range of jargon and registers. This will most definitely translate into your own writing skills.

Write More, Ask More

Those who translate their understanding of a book into a summary or ask questions are more likely to be effective readers. Because as Stephen King said, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time (or the tools) to write.”

In short, reading habits can make or break your application to a university in several ways. The advantages are many; the disadvantages, are none!

Embark on a transformative higher education journey and elevate your path to academic success with the expert guidance and personalized support of an Ivy Central college counselor.

October 8, 2020
Top Qualities Students Should Demonstrate to Colleges.

One of the most common questions college counselors hear is, “How do I get accepted by a particular university?” While each college or university in the USA has unique criteria, some qualities are universally valued in the admissions process. Here’s a guide to help you understand what most colleges look for in applicants and how you can enhance your application:

1. Academic Excellence

Securing high grades in school remains the top priority for students. There is no denying the fact that Colleges and universities look for students with high Point Averages (GPAs). By excelling academically, students can demonstrate to colleges that they have the intellectual capability to handle high levels of coursework. Admissions officers seek such students as they are likely to continue this trend in college. Your high school transcript, showcasing your grades from Grade 9 onward, will be crucial to your application. Don’t worry if your early grades were not stellar—an upward trend in your academic performance can positively impact your application.

2. Challenging Course Load

Difficult and challenging course work such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme are looked upon very positively by selective schools. They prefer applicants who have taken rigorous courses available to them. This indicates a student’s willingness to challenge themselves academically. International students who are following the national curriculum should consider taking AP exams in addition to school exams to demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to academic excellence.

3. Commitment to Extracurricular Activities

Rather than a long list of activities, colleges look for deep, sustained involvement in a few areas of interest. This shows your dedication and passion. Spend several hours each week on these activities and aim for long-term engagement to demonstrate your commitment. Unlocking Potential: Passion Projects for High School Students | Ivy Central

4. Leadership

Leadership is another key quality colleges seek. Whether you are a team captain, a club founder, or hold a position of authority at your school, your leadership roles highlight your ability to influence and guide others. Additionally, mentoring younger or disadvantaged students can showcase your leadership skills.

5. Strong Recommendations

Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, coaches, or principals can provide a personal perspective on your abilities and character. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed anecdotes about your academic performance, personality, and leadership qualities.

Read More: Claremont College

6. Positive Personality and Character

Your personal statement or college admissions essay is your opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and values. A well-crafted essay can leave a lasting impression on admissions officers, while a poorly written one can have the opposite effect. Be honest and reflective, and let your unique voice shine through.

7. Genuine Interest in the College

Demonstrating a genuine interest in the college or university can enhance your application. Engage with the school by signing up for newsletters, participating in virtual tours and webinars, and interacting with college to win representatives. Applying early decisions can also signal your commitment to a particular institution.

8. Community Service

A willingness to serve others is highly valued by colleges. Community service and a passion for helping others indicate that you will positively contribute to the campus community and beyond. Demonstrating your involvement in volunteer work and community service projects can strengthen your application.

By showcasing these qualities in your application, you can improve your chances of being admitted to even the most selective schools. Remember, each component of your application is an opportunity to present yourself as a well-rounded, dedicated, and engaged student.

September 22, 2020